Dana Barba

Bachelor of Arts from College of the Holy Cross and Harvard University Extension School post grad

Active participant in Northeast Women’s LINC and member of Network of Executive Women

Marketing and communications advisory committee for YMCA of Greater New York and development board for Ann’s Place

International Coastal Clean Up, Coca-Cola Rain Barrel Workshop, Pencils for Promise, Paws for the Cause Dog Walk – and helping my daughter earn the Bronze Service Award for The President’s Volunteer Service Award

Mentors and how have they assisted you in your career: Both formal and informal mentors have helped me develop as a leader, provided advice and influenced my management style. Mentors helped me learn the value of customer relationships, taking risks and setting priorities. Two pieces of advice remain with me most: “If you have a passion for something, find a way to engage, regardless of your role” and “Support and nurture women in your network.”

What are you most proud of in your career achievements? Do you have a defining moment of your career to date? Defining moments have happened throughout my career – from developing and launching great initiatives like FRIDGEPACK and our very first small PET multipack to the work we are leading in strategic planning with customers and partners with the Coca-Cola Way of Shopper Marketing. Additionally, I am proud of the work I led to build a leadership market and business development process and plans for strategic markets like New York, Miami, and DC. And most importantly, it has been incredibly rewarding to see teams I’ve built and led achieve results, support each other and overcome challenges together.

Most challenging part of your job: Balance. Being a leader, single mom, friend, sister, daughter, coach and volunteer requires balance. And while balancing all of these roles is my biggest challenge, the results are my greatest reward.

Advice for upcoming younger executives: Create your own roadmap for success. Chart your path and remember it may not always be a straight line up. Don’t choose jobs based on title/pay alone – be sure to balance with passion for the work. Always think ahead when making your next decision. And most of all – take all your vacation. That time is meant for you to recharge and make memories with your friends/family.

Hobbies: Travel and food (from food trucks to James Beard) are my passions. Each year, my 11-year-old daughter and I map out our bucket list and plan our vacations. At least one trip must require our passports! We also enjoy reading, skiing, and cooking straight from our garden.

Women of Influence

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